The A-League returned to the old stomping grounds of Auckland on Saturday night and it was a crucial win for Wellington as they beat Adelaide United 2-1 at Eden Park.

Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images

It continues Wellington’s impressive run of form lately as they continue to steadily climb up the table and are now threatening to be a Finals team.

For Adelaide it ends their impressive run, their first loss in eight matches, but they pave the way for Wellington who will looking to go on a similar run to the Reds.

Wellington started well and in the 22nd minute were given an opportunity as Daniel Bowles collided with Carlos Hernandez seeing the referee award a penalty.

Hernandez aggravated the Adelaide keeper by winking at him before dispatching the penalty, sending Eugene Galekovic the wrong way.

Right before half-time Wellington’s incredible knack for missing golden chances continued as Hernandez played Stein Huysegems who hit the post, only for the rebound to come back to him, leaving a better opportunity in which he hit the crossbar.

Hernandez was able to spare Huysegems blushes in the second last minute of the half as Hernandez set up international team-mate Kenny Cunningham who made a great run and hit a powerful shot to double Wellington’s lead heading in to the break.

That allowed Wellington to control the second half, despite not having the same attacking edge in the second half they kept an improved Adelaide in check.

The second half had even fewer chances than the first and in the 89th minute Awer Mabil managed a late consolation goal for Adelaide to cut the loss to 2-1.

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Chris Hockman is a passionate soccer fan, originally from Australia, Chris moved to the USA in early 2010. In Australia he worked for A-League club, Central Coast Mariners, one cup, one premiership, two grandfinals & an Asian Champions League campaign were particular highlights, along with working various Football Federation Australia events. Chris can be reached at chris@sanantoniosoccernews.com.